Various Types of Stainless Steel 304 Flanges

What is a Flanges?

Flanges are projecting ridges or rims used to strengthen strength or distribute the load. A pipeline system is made up of pipes, valves, pumps, and other piping parts that are connected using flanges. It also makes cleaning, inspection, and customization a breeze. Flanges are the second most frequent joining method after welding.

Stainless Steel 304 remains the most adaptable and widely used stainless steel on the market, despite the advent of some competitors. Grade 304 is easily molded into a variety of automotive, architectural, and transportation components. This material is utilized to make a wide range of flanges, including Weld Neck, Blind, Spectacle, and others.

Types of 304 Flanges

Flanges don't come in a one-size-fits-all package. Apart from sizing, selecting the appropriate flange design for your piping system and intended usage will ensure efficient operation, long life, and the best pricing. As shown below, SS 304L Flanges exist in a range of forms and diameters.

Slip-On - Slip-on Flanges are slipped over the pipe and then welded both inside and outside to give appropriate strength and prevent leaking. These flanges might have a raised or flat face. They work well in low-pressure situations. The sleek and compact design of slip-on flanges, also known as "Hubbed Flanges," makes them identifiable.

Socket Weld - The pipe is placed into the flange and then the connection is secured with a single multi-pass fillet weld on these flanges. Socket weld flanges contain only one fillet weld on the outside and aren't usually recommended for essential applications. This sort of flange is required for low-pressure pipes with small diameters.

Blind - Blind flanges are typically used to seal the pipe's end or opening, so they don't have anymore. These flanges provide simple access to the pipe if work needs to be done inside the line. These flanges are frequently used on vessels to block an unwanted portion of pipe or nozzle.

Weld Neck – During installation, butt welding is required for this type of flange. They are welded to the pipe's end to form a flange that can resist high temperatures and pressure. The weld neck flange has a 'neck' that may shift pipe tension, reducing strain in the lower part of the flange.

Threaded / Screwed - The flange bore has a thread inside it (female thread) that links to the pipe or fitting's male thread. Although this flange is simple to use, it is not ideal for situations involving high pressure or temperature. The threaded flange's key advantage is that it may be fitted without the use of welding.

Lap Joint - The two-piece configuration of lap joint flanges necessitates butt welding the stub end to the pipe or fitting before utilizing a backing flange to complete the flanged connection. Because of their limited pressure holding capacity, they are employed in low-pressure and non-critical applications.

Spectacle – This flange is shaped like a spectacle (a pair of glasses), and it is made up of two metal discs joined by a metal section. Spectacle blind flanges are used as a safety precaution to isolate equipment or lines that need to be checked or removed from service.

Plate - Due to their shape, these flanges are also known as flat flanges, since they feature a flat level surface and a complete face gasket that contacts the bulk of the flange surface. In applications where the mating flange or flanged fitting is cast, flat face flanges are widely utilized.

Reducing - Reducing flanges are a type of flange that is frequently used on projects that need the connecting of pipes of different sizes. It consists of a single-diameter flange and a smaller-diameter hole. Such flanges are avoided when there is unpredictably fluctuating turbulence.

Tongue & Groove - These flanges have grooves and raised areas that match. They have the advantage of being self-aligning and serving as an elastic buffer as a result of this.